Rustic cabins near Lyndhurst, Virginia offer year-round lodging amid the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer highs average in the mid-80s. Most cabin areas require advance reservations, especially during peak fall foliage season when visitation increases by 60% compared to summer months.
What to do
Hiking access from cabins: Multiple properties including Love Ridge Mountain Lodging provide direct access to hiking trails. "The AT runs right through the campground," notes Katrin M. about nearby trails at Loft Mountain.
Fishing opportunities: Many cabins sit near stocked fishing ponds or natural waterways. At Montebello Resort, "the trout pond is a nice touch you can fish without a license, and you pay for what you catch, we enjoyed fresh trout for dinner during our stay," according to Adrian K. The resort also provides complimentary paddle boats and kayaks.
Winter activities: Unlike seasonal campgrounds, cabin rentals typically remain open year-round. Carol B. notes about winter conditions at Big Meadows: "We camped here the last night of the season (Nov30)... It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water."
What campers like
Privacy between units: At Big Meadows Campground, cabin sites offer good separation from neighbors. "Though this campground is HUGE, the sites are not piled on top of each other. Our site, B112, was surrounded by shrubs under the canopy of trees which provided tons of privacy," reports Veronica S.
Wildlife viewing: Many cabins provide opportunities to observe local fauna. Veronica also noted, "You will definitely see deer in the campground as they walk through and browse the understory. They are unafraid of humans unless directly approached."
Evening relaxation: After active days, cabin sites offer comfortable spaces for relaxing. "The fireflies are spectacular. At dusk, the ground shimmers, and then after they disperse, you will still see them flit by the tent throughout the night," describes one visitor to Big Meadows.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most cabin locations have limited or no cellular connectivity. According to Quinn G. at Walnut Hills Campground, "Be aware; there is zero cell service at the campground. To get decent service it's a bit of a drive."
Weather preparation: Mountain elevations mean variable conditions. One camper at Loft Mountain noted, "The mountain remained fogged in for most of our stay, but hikes on the AT and Doyles Falls were stunning."
Shower fees: Some properties charge for shower facilities. "The shower was about 0.3 miles away. They charge $5 for 10 min, which you have to pay in quarters," mentions Katrin M. about facilities near Loft Mountain.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Shenandoah Valley Campground offers numerous family amenities. Ryan Z. notes, "My kids loved all the bunnies, the river, pool and putt-putt." The campground also features a swimming pool with hot tubs.
Educational opportunities: Several cabin locations provide ranger programs and nature education. "Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs," mentions Kim L. about Big Meadows.
Space considerations: Cabin sizes vary significantly between properties. At Crabtree Falls Campground, "The owner was very helpful and was able to get us a site last minute. The site backed up to a creek that created natural flowing water that we enjoyed wading through," according to Emily R.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When booking cabins near RV areas, location matters. "Our site was full hookup and a very nice, mostly level, spacious, and had a covered picnic table on a deck. Not all sites have full hookup," advises one visitor to Walnut Hills.
Accessibility concerns: Mountain roads present challenges. Quinn G. warns, "VA56 is a very windy road not recommended for pulling a camper through. Use the blue ridge parkway."
Seasonal availability: While cabins remain open year-round, associated amenities may close. According to Karen, "We were there in October and they close on 10/31 for the season so we got the feeling they weren't that into it anymore."
